Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you… I. ITS HISTORY. "Oftentimes." The project doubtless early formed. What more natural than that so distinguished a Christian citizen should desire to see the gospel firmly planted in the centre of the empire. This would be strongly opened by the conviction that from Rome the gospel would perforce radiate more powerfully. A Christianised Rome would mean a Christianised world. The purpose was originated or confirmed by Divine revelation (cf. Acts 19:21; Acts 27:24; Romans 15:23). His eye would never be off this great object. II. ITS TEMPORARY FRUSTRATION. 1. Doubtless by Divine interpositions. He was kept from Rome as he was kept from Asia, etc. (Acts 16:6, 7). Sometimes God's purposes are best answered by the frustration of our own when they are of the highest. Perhaps it was best for Paul to work his way to Rome by a circuitous route, coming in contact with diverse peoples, and so preparing him for dealing with the heterogeneous population of the capital. Anyhow, no ministry at Rome would have compensated for the loss of his brilliant history. 2. Certainly by necessary engagements (Romans 15:20, 21). It is always best to do the duty which is nearest to hand, and follow it up by proceeding to the next. All Paul's career seems an illustration of this. He never seems to have gone out of his way. One event leads to another by a perfectly natural sequence. 3. Possibly Satan may have hindered. If at one time, why not at another (1 Thessalonians 2:18; Daniel 10:13)? Did he hinder at Illyricum (Romans 15:20) when Rome was so temptingly near? III. ITS ULTIMATE OBJECT. "Fruit." 1. This fruit was — (1) The conversion of sinners (Colossians 1:6; Philippians 1:11). (2) The comfort and advancement of believers (John 15:16; Philippians 1:25). (3) The growth of the Church, both inwardly and outwardly. 2. Much fruit he had reaped already (Romans 15:18-21). 3. Yet he yearned for more. He could have no rest while one field remained unplanted, and he knew that the most fruitful field yet remained. IV. ITS ACCOMPLISHMENT. Read Philippians 1, and remember that Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon were written at Rome. Who shall estimate the fruit reaped by this visit to Rome? Only the Great Husbandman at the Great Day. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. |
    |